Veterans’ Property Tax Exemption Deadline Oct. 1

October 1 is the deadline for filing applications with the Town of Newtown for the Local Option Veterans Program and the state’s regular and additional veterans benefit programs. The exemption will be effective for the July 2005 billing.

Veterans entitled to an exemption from property tax in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes Section 12-81 shall be entitled to an additional exemption applicable to the assessed value of property of $10,000. Qualifying income should not exceed $41,200 for unmarried individuals or $45,000 for married individuals.

The surviving spouse of a veteran is entitled to the same property tax exemption as the veteran, provided the surviving spouse’s qualifying income does not exceed $41,200. The exemption of $10,000 shall be applied to the assessed value of an eligible surviving spouse’s property.

To qualify, all 1099s must be provided, individually if unmarried, or jointly with spouse, for the calendar year ending immediately preceding the filing of a claim for any such exemption.

Any veteran or spouse submitting a claim for this exemption must apply for such exemption in writing to the assessor not later than October 1 in order to receive the exemption in the next tax year. Following the initial claim, biennial filing is required.

For each application, a copy of the veteran’s or spouse’s federal income tax and all 1099 forms may be required by the assessor.

If the qualifying income of a person qualified to receive an exemption exceeds the maximum amounts, the person is to notify the assessor prior to October 1 and will be denied the exemption until the person has reapplied and again qualified for the exemption. Any person failing to notify the assessor of a disqualification would be required to make payment to the town in the amount of the property tax loss related to the exemption that was improperly taken.

Claimants must be residents of Newtown and be able to prove veteran status and income eligibility.

Veterans who have questions about these programs should contact the tax assessor’s office at 270-4240.